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When I give a talk first question is "are there any beekeepers in the room", hopefully the answer will be no. This then leads into the talk, if you get a yes, you might get a discussion with said beekeeper if you say something they don't think is correct. Try to avoid such a situation. As already said you're there as entertainment, not an in depth talk about beekeeping. If they want that enrol them on your associations beginners course.

Our association has a display hive, with photos in the frames instead of wax, I think it came from Thornes a while ago, but fairly simple to make if you're going to do a lot of talks. It's then a simple matter to dress an audience member in a bee suit (we use atop half smock rather than a full suit) and 'teach' them how to do an inspection. We quite often do a spot the honey bee competition, with a page of bumbles, solitaries, wasps, hoverfly photos. Best answers gets a prize. The WI themselves usually organise a competition and ask you to judge it. Good luck with that. :laughing-smiley-014

If you're any good then word of mouth should see you get more invites as all these groups are crying out for winter speakers.

As for payment, some WI's insist on expenses, we as an association get an agreement to sell members honey (we have a couple of bee farmers who can supply a few jars most of the year). Then add a premium on the price.

You may find the WI suggests to you things they want you to talk about.

Most of all though keep it light, not too technical. Try not to use jargon, not everyone knows what forage is, or where an apiary can be found.

If you do tasting try to buy a jar of Rowse or supermarket honey local to you and local to them. Ask them to tell you the difference (there shouldn't be any) then ask them to taste two honeys from different years or from close local beekeepers so they can see that a very small variation makes a big difference to the taste of a locally produced honey.
 
I tend to invite questions as I talk. Usually talk and questions stretch a 45minute talk to 90 minutes or more.
 
I've been asked to talk to my local WI in Feb.

Given that when it comes to bees I simply don't know when to stop talking, I'm struggling to focus on which aspects would most appeal to members. I doubt my queen rearing talk is what is called for and would appreciate pointers on which areas they would find most interesting.

Anyone with experience of giving such a talk? All tips welcome
I knew a man once who was asked to give a talk to a men's club. Somewhat foolishly he agreed without predetermining what subject it would be. As the day grew nearer he started to worry as he couldn't think of a suitable subject and eventually asked one of the other members. The second member said don't worry anything relating to sex goes down well with the guys. Come the evening he delivered an amusing talk liberally spiced with risque jokes and received a rapturous applause.
On arriving home his wife asked how things had gone and what subject he had spoken about. He paused and mumbled "sailing".
The following day his wife was out shopping and one of the members of the club congratulated her on having such a witty husband who was such an authority on his subject. She replied "I don't know how he gave such a good talk as he's only done it twice and the second time he fell out"
 
Talk at a WI… make yourself familiar with the words to Jerusalem, just in case!
 
In my previous life [job] I talked to a really diverse range of groups, from Infant schools, through WI , Young Farmers to Crown Court Circuit Judges [They were challenging & very entertaining in their own way!]

WI were by far the easiest, and friendliest, as soon as the first knitting appears is the time to stop ! and as said above it always involved cake. @madasafish has supplied the most complete precis you'll ever need I think. Above all entertain them, and you'll enjoy it too.
 
The King has an organic estate in Romania. It specialises in wild flowers.
carlo has nothing to do with the Dutchy brand any more - he sold it for a wopping profit to Waitrose years ago
 
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